Course Descriptions 

Click on course titles for syllabi. Courses are taught by UNLA faculty unless otherwise noted.

Contemporary Mexican History  
(40 contact hours - Spring 2010)
This course is designed to provide students with a general view of the historical development of Mexico from the Revolution (1910-1920) to the beginning of the XXI century. Students will be able to discover the most important processes of Mexico's contemporary history and understand many of the challenges that Mexico currently faces.

Culture and Community in ESOL/Bilingual Classrooms
(40 contact hours - Summer Session I)
Instructor: Susan Meyers, Department of English, Oregon State University
Explore comparative education theories to describe, analyze, and respond to the specific issues that affect students who migrate from Mexico into the U.S. K-16 school system. Develop effective practices for work in diverse classrooms.

El Otro Lado: Mexican Labor in the US Economy
(40 contact hours - Winter 2011)
Instructor: Celine Fitzmaurice, University Studies, Portland State University.
Explore the role of the Mexican laborers in the US economic system through a variety of perspectives.  Actively debate current proposals for comprehensive immigration reform in the United States.

Food Systems: Local to Global 
(40 contact hours - Fall 2010)
Instructor: Pedro Febel-Azcarate, Professor of University Studies & Black Studies, Portland State University.
Investigate local and global food systems to understand the inter-related issues of politics, ecology and economics, and use local sources to investigate broader food themes. 

Fostering Biliteracy in ESOL/Bilingual Classrooms
(40 Contact hours - Summer Session II )
Instructor: Sandra Clark, Adjunct Professor, Education, Southern Oregon University
Explore the relationship between first and second language literacy and between oral and written language skills, and examine teaching strategies, materials and assessment tools for literacy development in ESOL and bilingual classrooms.

The History of Mexico
(40 contact hours - Summer Session IV)
Examine the history of Mexico from a Mexican perspective. Analyze and interpret different economic, social, cultural, and political conditions since the pre-colonial period that have shaped modern Mexico.

Intercultural Communication: Cultural History and Public Memory 
(40 Contact Hours, Spring 2011)
Instructor: Emily Plec, Western Oregon University, Communications Studies.
Examine intercultural communication and explore the way history and memory shape culture, identity, and cross-cultural communication.

Mexican Literature in the 20th and 21st Centuries
(40 contact hours, Spring 2010)
Learn about Mexican society in the 20th and beginning of the 21st century through the eyes of various authors and literary genres, and gain a greater understanding of the political, social, economic and cultural complexities of Mexico in the last century.

Mexican Literature
(40 contact hours -Taught in Spanish - Summer Session IV)
As a reflection and history of culture, studying language offers a glimpse into the current structure of society, as well as to help predict the future. Gain a better understanding of the culture and Spanish language that is spoken in Mexico through the history of some of its more representative literary works.

The Rhetoric of Migration in Mexico and the United States
(40 Contact Hour - Spring 2011)
Instructor: Emily Plec, Western Oregon University, Communications Studies.
Examine the complex and important dynamics of migration across national borders from a communications studies perspective. Explore communication regarding immigration to the U.S. and the impact rhetoric has on Mexico-U.S. relations.

Tortillas and Trade: Sustainable Food Systems in the Post-NAFTA Era 
(40 contact hours - Winter 2011)
Instructor: Celine Fitzmaurice, University Studies, Portland State University.
Explore the intimate relationship between U.S. and Mexican food systems since the advent of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Understanding Mexican Culture
(60 contact hours - Fall, Winter, Spring)
From an interdisciplinary perspective, explore Mexican cultural, social, historical, and institutional contexts that influence attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs of Mexican migrants in specific situations in the United States.

What is a City?
(40 contact hours, Fall 2010)
Instructor: Pedro Febel-Azcarate, Professor of University Studies & Black Studies, Portland State University.
Study Indigenous and Spanish colonial history, archaeology, architecture, and urban design to understand the culture and society that developed in Mexico and specifically in the city of Morelia. 
 

SPANISH LANGUAGE DESCRIPTIONS

Transition into life in Morelia and gain better access to Mexican culture through practical language and conversation skill development. Spanish language courses are offered at elementary through advanced levels.

FALL, WINTER, SPRING
All language courses during the fall, winter and spring are 100 contact hours.

SUMMER
Language courses in Session I and II are 20 contact hours each.  Language courses in Session IV are 80 contact hours.  Language courses in Session III are a combination of language courses from session I and II or a language course from Session IV.

SUMMER SESSION OPTIONS:

Summer Session I (3 week: July 3 - 25)
Students enroll in a total of 60 contact hours:

Summer Session II (3 week: July 24 - August 15)
Students enroll in a total of 60 contact hours:

Summer Session III (6 week: July 3 - August 15)
Students have the option of enrolling in one of three separate 6 week tracks for a total of 120 contact hours:

Summer Session IV (6 week July 3 - August 15)
This six-week summer program is designed for all undergraduate levels of Spanish language. Students combine 80 contact hours of Spanish language with a course in Mexican history or Mexican literature for a total of 120 contact hours.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

TESOL TEACHING PRACTICUM

The Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) practicum, available fall, winter, and spring terms, offers you a hands-on teaching experience in both high school and university environments. Previous TESOL course work is required prior to departure, and all placements are made on an individual basis. For more information and eligibility requirements, contact AHA International.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AND VOLUNTEER WORK OPTIONS
Community service or volunteer work is an ideal complement to your academic program, significantly enhancing your professional experience and future career prospects. Students with a clearly defined set of educational and professional objectives may explore the option of arranging a service or volunteer program during fall, winter, and spring terms. For more information on options and eligibility requirements, contact AHA International.

DIRECT ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
Advanced-level Spanish students may choose to directly enroll in UNLA courses during the fall or spring. (Due to the nature of the UNLA calandar students should expect to be in Morelia beyond the AHA program dates. Fall students will arrive in mid-August and spring semester students will  enroll in both winter and spring terms of AHA).

Courses taught in Spanish are available in the following departments. For more information and eligibility requirements, contact AHA international.

Accounting
Business Administration
Civil Engineering
Communications
Computer Systems
Dentistry
Gastronomy
Graphic Design
International Business
Law
Marketing
Nutrition
Psychology
Tourism

ACADEMIC CREDIT

All courses offered in Morelia are recognized and approved for academic credit by various NCSA member institutions. Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad adviser for more information.

Not all courses listed are offered every term. Course offerings are subject to change depending on enrollment and availability. Check with your study abroad adviser for specific deadlines on your campus.